German care insurance reform to broaden funding to civil servants and self‑employed

Germany’s care insurance faces a projected €7 billion deficit for the next year, prompting a push for reform. CSU health expert Emmi Zeulner called for civil servants and self‑employed workers to share more of the financing burden, arguing that expanding the responsibility base would strengthen the statutory care fund. She also suggested shifting medical treatment costs in nursing homes from the care insurance to health insurers to alleviate pressure.

Health Minister Nina Warken, who is drafting the reform bill, aims to cut billions in health‑care spending but has encountered sharp criticism from professional associations and the Social Association of Germany. Opponents warn that proposed measures, such as reducing pension‑point subsidies for informal caregivers and increasing residents’ out‑of‑pocket contributions, could raise monthly resident fees by about €160, exacerbating financial strain for seniors.